In most cases, myocardial infarctions and strokes are associated with known risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, according to the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC). Many of these factors are avoidable and reversible, so their control can help prevent cardiovascular accidents.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in developed countries. In Spain, almost a third of the deaths that occur are due to these conditions, which, however, can be prevented. “80 percent of the risk of heart attack can be eliminated only by quitting smoking, with regular physical exercise and a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which is not difficult or expensive,” highlights Alfonso Varela, cardiologist and secretary general of the FEC. In addition to these classic risk factors, today’s lifestyle has led to the emergence of new elements that endanger our cardiovascular health , including sleep apnea, stress, pollution, and drug use.
The metabolic syndrome, or the conjunction of several risk factors in a single individual, is increasingly frequent and worrisome in our society. Obesity tends to be interrelated with all these factors and, from a cardiovascular health point of view, the most dangerous type of obesity is abdominal or central obesity. In men, the waist measurement should not exceed 102 centimeters while in women it is not recommended that it exceed 88 centimeters. In addition, to combat obesity in general it is advisable to know the Body Mass Index.
On the other hand, the FEC also recommends going to the doctor from the age of 40 in order to identify risk factors and check if blood pressure and cholesterol and glycemic levels are within acceptable limits.
